Explore
Performing & session work
Musician
Almost nobody makes a living from one income stream.
Typical pay
$20k-$80k
How you get in
No credential; ability, repertoire and network
Outlook
Competitive; the sustainable careers are diversified
Working musicians perform, record, teach and license their music — usually all at once. The people who sustain careers treat it as five small businesses rather than waiting for one to become large.
A day in the life
- 10:00aPractice — the part that never stops being required
- 12:00pRecord a session part and send stems to a client
- 2:00pTeach three private lessons
- 5:00pLoad in and soundcheck at the venue
- 9:00pPerform two sets
- 12:30aLoad out, get paid, drive home
How to get in
Gigging and teaching
Duration
2-5 years to a full income
Cost
$1,000-$10,000 for instruments and gear
Credential
None — your playing and reliability
- Get genuinely good, then get reliable — reliability books more gigs than talent
- Build a teaching studio for a stable weekly income floor
- Say yes to every professional gig early to build a network
- Diversify: live, teaching, session work, and licensing
Music degree
Duration
4 years
Cost
$40,000-$200,000
Credential
BM or BA in music
- Complete a performance, education or music business degree
- Use the faculty network — it is the most valuable asset in the program
- Add education certification if you want school teaching as a floor
- Understand that the degree does not create demand for your playing
Session and production work
Duration
2-6 years
Cost
$3,000-$25,000 for a home studio
Credential
None — a reel and turnaround speed
- Build a home recording setup that produces release-quality tracks
- Deliver fast and take direction without ego — this is what gets repeat calls
- Register with a PRO to collect performance royalties
- Sync licensing for film, TV and ads is the most durable income of the three
What people love
- · You are paid to do the thing you would do anyway
- · Multiple income streams from one skill set
- · Teaching provides a stable base
- · No credential gate — only ability
What wears people down
- · Income is unstable and seasonal
- · Nights, weekends and long drives
- · No benefits unless you buy them
- · Streaming pays almost nothing per play